Victims

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Unraveling the madness behind L.A.’s most baffling and brutal homicides is what sleuthing psychologist Alex Delaware does best. And putting the good doctor through his thrilling paces is what mystery fiction’s #1 best-selling master of psychological suspense Jonathan Kellerman does with incomparable brilliance. Kellerman’s universally acclaimed novels blend the addictive rhythms of the classic police procedural with chilling glimpses into the darkest depths of the human condition. For the compelling proof, look no further than Victims - Kellerman at his razor-sharp, harrowing finest.

Not since Jack the Ripper terrorized the London slums has there been such a gruesome crime scene. By all accounts, acid-tongued Vita Berlin hadn’t a friend in the world, but whom did she cross so badly as to end up arranged in such a grotesque tableau? One look at her apartment–turned–charnel house prompts hard-bitten LAPD detective Milo Sturgis to summon his go-to expert in hunting homicidal maniacs, Alex Delaware. But despite his finely honed skills, even Alex is stymied when more slayings occur in the same ghastly fashion... yet with no apparent connection among the victims. And the only clue left behind - a blank page bearing a question mark - seems to be both a menacing taunt and a cry for help from a killer baffled by his own lethal urges.

Under pressure to end the bloody spree and prevent a citywide panic, Milo redoubles his efforts to discover a link between the disparate victims. Meanwhile, Alex navigates the secretive world of mental health treatment, from the sleek office of a Beverly Hills therapist to a shuttered mental institution where he once honed his craft - and where an unholy alliance between the mad and the monstrous may have been sealed in blood. As each jagged piece of the puzzle fits into place, an ever more horrific portrait emerges of a sinister mind at its most unimaginable - and an evil soul at its most unspeakable. “This one was different,” Alex observes at the start of the case. This one will haunt his waking life, and his darkest dreams, long after its end.

Psyched? Listen to all of Jonathan Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware thrillers.

©2012 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2012 Random House Audio

One of Jonathan Kellerman's best.

Best of the later part of the Alex Delaware series. I thought the plot moved at a much better pace, and with less distracting side conversation.

Not the best Delaware novel

I used to love this series. Found this one slow going. Maybe my tastes are changing.

Better in Print than Audio

I should start by saying I have enjoyed reading Mr. Kellerman's, Alex Delaware series. For me listening to this book was less enjoyable. Far too much mindless dialog between characters, "She said. I said. She said. I said. She said..." I relate to the narrator, Mr. Rubinstein, as the voice of Alex - and other male characters. However, there is not enough tonal range in his voice for me to distinguish each character in an intensely dialog laden tale such as, Victims. I would rather read the book.

Taste of LA in a doggone good book

Okay, I admit it: I'm a Kellerman fan. As far as I'm concerned, all the JK books are good -- some are better than others (one of the finest books in print is 'Butcher's Theater', so elegantly written it makes you weep) but even the less-good ones are better than most. This was a grizzly tale, made worse (for me) by the inclusion of a few dogs in the plot. I'm nuts on the subject of dogs -- I can read about any amount of inhumanity toward humans without nightmares, but don't you authors dare lay a hand on a dog. I just can't handle that, and will quit reading in a heartbeat. So? No spoiler, but JK ultimately did just fine in this regard.

This was really more of a Milo book, not so much Dr. Alex -- Robin and Blanche barely make cameo performances, all of which was fine. Milo has to be one of the most uniquely fascinating characters of modern fiction. A rough, hard-edged, wise-cracking obviously literate man who also happens to be gay. I like Milo, so books that tend to focus on him are especially enjoyable.

But probably the best part of this particular book is due to the really way beyond excellent narrator, John Rubenstein. As a former Californian, I sometimes get lonely for the Golden State, in its chaotic ethnic mix, its range of personalities, over-educated, nutty, profound and otherwise. No one interprets the cadence of California better than John Rubenstein. Whether its Valley Girls or self-obsessed professionals, hookers or beat cops, Rubenstein hits exactly the right note. He speaks, and you can SEE these characters -- you know them. They become real people, which is just one of the benefits of listening to a book like this as compared to reading it. I'll probably eventually read this one too, but listening was pure pleasure.

Good job, Jonathan Kellerman. Now we just have to wait for the next one.

Disappointing!

This book was written to a formula. It does not live up to Jonathan's previous works. It felt like he was filling in the blanks. I found it less than stimulating, it seemed like poor Milo couldn't even get excited about what was happening. I did not engage with the characters. In general, very disappointing and not up to what I would expect.

AWESOME!!!!

This has got to be my favorite Alex and Milo adventure to date! Don't miss out!!!

One of Kellerman's Best!

Would you try another book from Jonathan Kellerman and/or John Rubinstein?

Kellerman (with a miss here and there) consistently delivers. I would definitely try another book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Milo, who else....

What does John Rubinstein bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

John Rubinstein keeps you engaged in the story. I was drawn to continue listening even without the earbuds out loud while doing chores!

Could you see Victims being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I think you have to go back to the beginning of the series as there were some stellar books there that should get first preference

A bit short

I love J Kellerman books, but...he wrapped this one up in 5 paragraphs rather than telling the story. Lazy writing...but until that endinf, a decent plot and great story...but no resolution. Sigh...don't get lazy, Jonathan. If I hang in for your bus, GIVE ME AN ENDING!

Classic Kellerman - Again -Finally

Although Kellerman has always been one of my favorite authors I have been disillusioned and disappointed with his last few offerings. Some of them such as True Detectives I just skipped all together. When Victims was released I decided to give it a try and I am glad I did. IMHO probably one of his best, if not the best. It is classic Kellerman in the same vein as my favorites like Bones, Evidence and The Murder Book.

While it was sometimes a bit predictable, Kellerman kept the suspense on the edge ending each chapter leaving you wanting more. I went through this book in just a few days because I just couldn't stop myself. I haven't done this with a Kellerman book in a long time.

Rubinstein brings Alex and Milo to life as usual and I can't imagine anyone else doing them justice. The older Alex Delaware novels before he took over the duties just weren't the same.

Welcome back Alex and Milo!! I hope Kellerman keeps up this level of writing.

ALEX DELAWARE IS BACK & IN FINE FORM!!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES SIREE BOB!!! Wonderfully complex story which grabs you and takes you on a terrific literary ride. No solving this one after a couple of chapters. Kellerman finally has his mojo back.

What did you like best about this story?

Storyline is wonderfully complex. The psychological chills and crime adventure thrills are so intensely and deliciously balanced that you simply can't wait to see how it all turns out. In addition, you get a more in depth and well-rounded description of the two main characters. In this mystery of mind and body, Alex Delaware and quirky Milo fit together like hand in glove.